Students were pleased when the bars came off the cafeteria windows. And administrators were surprised to find fresh blue and white stripes on the walls.
Soon the Russellville High School cafeteria's transformation into the War Tribe Cafe will be complete with three restaurant-style booths, being renovated by the ag woods class.
Creating a college student union-type environment in the cafeteria is part of "Phase II" to shift the school culture and climate to encourage college and career readiness. It is a continuation of what began four years ago with the PLC leadership.
Members of the high school PLC leadership team visited Lebanon High School, where they immediately were taken with the welcoming environment.
Faculty and administration brought back ideas to help Russellville's school appearance reflect its achievements, said Kate Lootens.
"We don't want it to feel so institutional," agreed Tara Hudson.
The Cole County R-1 Board of Education and Superintendent Jerry Hobbs gave the initiative a small financial boost and they have received a few donations. But Principal Heath Waters hopes to draw in more community involvement and visibility.
"We want to brand ourselves," said Sean Lovelace.
One step has been to choose one, consistent mascot image - the Indian head painted on the gym floor. That image will soon be seen by every classroom door and around the building.
College and military pennants hang from the hallway ceilings and eventually medieval-style banners will promote the blue and white school pride.
One minute before the tardy bell, music now plays over the public address speakers. Students and teachers alike seem to appreciate that addition to the day.
"I like it; it's fun," Hudson said. "It gets you excited for class to start."
Soon to come will be inspirational and motivational quotes above door transoms and throughout the building. An in the future, accent furniture will be added for a more lived-in feel.
For now, the cafeteria has been the most significant transformation.
Originally the school's gymnasium, the windows were protected with metal bars, which also blocked the natural lighting. And old goals still hung from the ceiling. When those were removed, three televisions were hung around the walls and a new sound system will play music throughout the day.
The War Tribe Cafe will feature an Applebee's-feel with shadow box memorabilia for various sports teams and school clubs.
Just outside the cafeteria will be a Heritage Wall, featuring old pictures of the Russellville community and former schools. They are hoping to use bleachers from the elementary school in some fashion and will repurpose trophy plates to continue the recognition but also save space.
"We want to tie the past to the present," Lovelace said.
Another wall will feature photos of each teacher with a framed copy of his degree.
In the lobby to the gymnasium, a Donation Wall similarly will hold photos of community members who have given time, talent and money to the school.
Teacher groups will decorate their hallways. And another wall will be dedicated as a student and alumni art gallery.
Another part of this Phase II is creating a student leadership team, similar to the PLC team, which will be made up of about 20 students. This year's team organized the Homecoming Olympics and will help set goals and visions for the school's future.
The leadership team agreed they have addressed the academics and in-class needs over the last four years and now want to make that obvious on the outside, too.
"Research has shown if you decorate your own workspace, like at Google, people are more productive when they're happy," Lootens said.
"We want to make this a place where the students want to come and learn."